Our Programs

Immersive international experiences for ages 18-22

Programs departing in Fall 2021
Gap Year Program

Departure: September 2021
Length: 25 weeks

Live in different parts of the world, experiencing 3 destinations in depth. Choose where to learn a language, participate in service learning, and intern.

Gap Semester Programs

Departure: September 2021
Length: 12 weeks

Live in different parts of the world, experiencing 2 destinations in depth. Combine language study, service learning, and/or an internship.

Compass Program: Barcelona

Departure: November 2021
Length: 6 weeks

Tour three European cities and grow personally while living in this energetic seaside city. Learn Spanish at an EF Campus and travel in your free time.

Programs departing in Spring 2022
Gap Semester Programs

Departure: January 2022
Length: 12 weeks

Live in different parts of the world, experiencing 2 destinations in depth. Combine language study, service learning, and/or an internship.

Compass Program: Barcelona

Departure: April 2022
Length: 6 weeks

Tour three European cities and grow personally while living in this energetic seaside city. Learn Spanish at an EF Campus and travel in your free time.

Compass Program: Tokyo

Departure: April 2022
Length: 6 weeks

Explore Japan and grow personally while living in the heart of this sprawling metropolis. Learn Japanese at an EF Campus and travel in your free time.

Programs departing in Summer 2022
Compass Program: Tokyo

Departure: May 2022
Length: 6 weeks

Explore Japan and grow personally while living in the heart of this sprawling metropolis. Learn Japanese at an EF Campus and travel in your free time.

Compass Program: Rome

Departure: May 2022
Length: 6 weeks

Tour three European destinations and grow personally while living in this awe-inspiring capital city. Learn Italian at an EF Campus and travel in your free time.

Sustainable Development in Costa Rica

Departure: July 2022
Length: 4 weeks

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and learn how to make a sustainable impact within a community.

Explore our program modules

Every EF Gap is comprised of different program modules. Some give you the ability to customize your destination, while others are fixed. Learn more about these building blocks below.

  • European Immersion

    Every EF Gap Year and Semester kicks off with a two-week guided tour of Europe. You'll visit London, Amsterdam, Paris, and finish in Barcelona.

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  • Internship

    Live and intern in your choice of international cities and experience 9 to 5 working life. Available as part of EF Gap Year and Semester.

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  • Language Study

    Take an immersive language course in the city of your choice. Study Spanish, Italian, French, German, Mandarin, Korean, or Japanese. Available as part of any program.

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  • Australia / New Zealand Immersion

    Set off on the ultimate road trip in the middle of your gap year: a three-week immersion Down Under. Available as part of EF Gap Year only.

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  • Service Learning

    Collaborate with local social enterprises to support community efforts in Latin America, Africa, or Asia. Available as part of any program.

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  • EF Leadership Academy

    All EF Gap programs culminate in a week of reflection, workshops, and seminars led by experts in business and international relations.

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Destinations

Explore our world-class destinations.

View Destinations

My gap semester made me a more confident person. With my new confidence and leadership skills, I feel more ready and mature when it comes to entering college in the fall.

David A., EF Gap Semester Fall '19 Harvard University '24

I am immensely grateful for the travel, service, and educational opportunities that EF has provided for me. Thanks to the emphasis our mentors placed on professional development, setting realistic goals, and career trajectory, I am both well-prepared and excited to start my freshman year of college.

Hannah S., New York EF Gap Semester Class of Spring 2019

Interested in traveling with us? Your journey begins here.

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